Dales, Tania ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8860-660X
(2021)
Designing Digital Uncanny: a practical and theoretical gamestudy.
MSc by research thesis, University of York.
Abstract
For my research presented in this thesis, I have taken a combined approach of theoretical analysis
and informed practical application to further my understanding of digital uncanny.
Specifically, I have looked at how particular use of aesthetics, sound, and gameplay in horror video
games, could invite players to experience the uncanny. The uncanny is a phenomenon with a
sensorial trigger, which is why the research is predominantly centred around visual and auditory
stimuli.
I have approached this research considering Jentsch and Freud's interpretation of the uncanny,
alongside Homi Bhaba and Anthony Vidler's writings on the unhomely. Literary theory has also
been a strong underlying theme with reference to the carnivalesque and a literary approach to
aesthetics in games.
I have tested my theories by creating a video game using the design elements discussed in the thesis.
This video game was played by University of York Television, Film, Theatre, and Interactive Media
undergraduate students. The participants were invited to answer a series of questions to determine if
the design had evoked an emotional response. They were not aware of the intention to prompt
stirrings of uncanny but were told that the aim was to discover the potential of digital design to
create emotional response.
The findings from this study have informed the written thesis and references to the work have been
applied throughout.
Metadata
Supervisors: | Dr Nick, Jones and Dr Anna, Bramwell-Dicks |
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Keywords: | Ernst Jentsch, Sigmund Freud, Uncanny, Unheimlich, Homi Bhabha, Anthony Vidler, horror, video games, creative practice, unreal engine, game design |
Awarding institution: | University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > School of Arts and Creative Technologies (York) |
Academic unit: | Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media |
Depositing User: | Ms Tania Dales |
Date Deposited: | 23 Nov 2022 15:17 |
Last Modified: | 22 Mar 2024 15:29 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:etheses.whiterose.ac.uk:31625 |
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Examined Thesis (PDF)
Filename: DalesTaniaMScThesis.pdf
Licence:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivatives 4.0 International License
Supplementary Material
Filename: Uncanny - Unreal Editor 2021-12-27 12-11-49.mp4
Description: Recording of the video game created for this research
Licence:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivatives 4.0 International License
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